Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
s/n 83268, engine no. P*65244*
Aquamarine with Red Interior

In the decades since the inception of the Porsche brand, the 356 Speedster has established itself as an icon of vintage sports car excellence. Although their humble and cost-conscious beginnings were foundational to the Porsche brand, the 356 developed into formidable performance cars. By the early 1950’s Porsche was making inroads to the North America market when distributor Max Hoffman asked Porsche to develop a sports car to compete against lower priced Triumphs and MGs. Porsche responded, building a car with just the right performance traits, sparse features, and unprecedented reliability. The Speedster was uniquely outfitted with a lowered windscreen, no side glass, minimal trim, and performance components, all of which culminated in surprisingly strong sales, particularly in the United States, where year after year, Speedsters won the hearts of racers and enthusiasts alike. Today the remarkable 356 Speedster still holds a leading position as a premiere vintage Porsche, not only amongst enthusiasts but frequently cited by historians, designers, and motorsports journalists as one of the most influential sports cars of the twentieth century.

This Speedster is a particularly captivating example finished to a very high standard by a long-term Porsche restoration expert. Some of his prior restorations reside in the personal collection of the Porsche family, now in Austria. Finished in its factory correct original colors, this Speedster is supported by matching numbers and restoration efforts worthy of Porsche concours show judging. Accompanied by a copy of the Porsche Kardex, this 356 was completed April 23, 1957, and dispatched to Hoffman Motors, NY, the same North American distributor who encouraged the development of the Speedster. Finished in Aquamarine Blue with red interior, this Speedster retains both the matching number engine and transmission per the Kardex.

After spending time in North Carolina, the former owner recalls that the car remained off the road beginning in 1965 and lasting for decades in storage. Retained in sound condition, but in need of restoration, the car found its way to Northern California when it was purchased by the current owner from a long-time friend. Upon arrival in Northern California, the current owner, a seasoned Porsche expert and restoration specialist set about the restoration. The entire car was carefully disassembled, and all parts sorted and evaluated for restoration.

From the outset of the restoration, the owner carefully evaluated the best approach to each of the original parts and features of this Speedster. The engine was mostly complete when the car was purchased, importantly retaining the original three-piece case and heads. After removal and cleaning, all oil galleys were checked for internal oil flow. The case was bolted together and measured out at standard. No line boring was needed. All studs were removed from the clean case and media blasted. Threads were chased using taps and dies to make sure all original nuts and bolts were reusable as original. All hardware was media blasted, washed again, and sent to Van Nuys Plating in Southern California for clear cadmium plating while Spray Technology in Santa Clara vapor blasted the case, giving it the correct original type finish. After surface blasting, the case was double checked for clean oil galleys and thread bores, reassembled with the newly replated original hardware, and delivered to expert engine builder Ron Chuck of Ron Chuck Engineering, Redwood City, CA.

Together with Ron Chuck and Dima Elgin, the owner specified a visually stock engine, with increased internal performance for 2,000 rpm through 5,500 rpm. The heads were disassembled, cleaned and crack checked. The cores received new guides, machined seats, and new valves for which each valve spring was tested and measured for conformity to standard. Each combustion chamber was cc’d, and intakes/exhausts ports were ported and polished to match the intake manifolds and exhaust ports. Rocker arm ends were resurfaced, rocker shafts polished, and new push rods installed with Dima Elgin machined original ATE lifters. A new set of JE 9.5:1 pistons were installed in 86mm AA cylinders, honed to meet Ron Chuck’s standards. Armando Ayala of CCR Crankshafts machined and balanced the crankshaft. Each rod was also carefully machined to standard at Ron Chuck’s shop. New rod bushings were fitted and end to end machined, with each rod weight-matched to within half a gram. New original Glycol rod and main bearings were sourced from the owner’s personal collection.

In addition to the engine rebuild, the fuel pump and correct BR9 Bosch distributor were rebuilt by Ab Tiedermann, the Solex 32PBIC carbs were rebuilt by Jim Kaufman of 356 Carb Rescue, correct two-line Knecht air filters were sourced, cleaned and restored, and the generator and starter were rebuilt by BNR in Van Nuys. All engine tin was powder coated in semi-gloss (BK-08) by Maas Brothers refinishing in Livermore, CA. The engine was run in and adjusted on Ron Chuck’s in house dyno returning 80 hp and 100 lb. ft. torque at 3,000 rpm.

With the car completely disassembled, the chassis was assessed for needed rust repair. The floors were in generally good condition but given the extent of the restoration being done, the team elected to remove the floors, longitudinals, and part of the battery box prior to blasting. The three-digit matching hood, matching decklid, doors, bumpers, and wheels were brought to Myers Sandblasting, Oakland, CA. Dink Farmer of Lakeport completed all metal work in preparation for paint. The completed chassis, body, and panels were reassembled and primed for paint, remaining in dry long-term storage until 2023 when the factory correct Aquamarine paint was applied by Daniel Castenada of Cutting-Edge Paint in Ukiah, CA.

For the suspension, the front inner fenders and torsion tubes were straight, so the front torsion tubes and all front suspension parts were fully disassembled, checked with factory gauges (VW 282), and sent to Maas Brothers for painting. The original 15mm sway bar was replaced with a John Willhoit 17.5mm sway bar, new tie rod ends were installed, and a newly rebuilt ZF steering box was fitted. The original T1 (VW derived) spindles were replaced with spindles from a 356B. These spindles were pressed apart, cleaned, magna fluxed, centered on a lathe, and checked for run out (straightness). After passing these tests the spindles were re-bushed, honed to fit, and all new wheel bearings installed. Importantly, these combined improvements including the steering box coupled with the Willhoit sway bar, later B spindles, Sudrad 4/57 wheels, and Pirelli CN36 tires resulted in a fantastic combination for improved handling.
Continuing with the suspension, both sets of torsion tube springs (bars) were removed and cleaned, making sure the original furnace brazed spring steel bars were intact. The torsion bushings, and needle bearings were carefully pushed out of the upper and lower tube, and the tubes were steam cleaned prior to chassis media blasting. New bushings and needle bearings were cleaned and carefully installed. New Koni front shocks and a new Koni steering damper were purchased and fitted. All original hardware was cleaned and re-plated including several rare hardware pieces which are often replaced with substandard parts. For the rear suspension, the rear torsion bars were removed, the tubes were steam cleaned and wire brushed. All rear suspension parts and pieces were sent to Mass Brothers for powder cation.

The brake drums were washed, bearing races removed, studs pressed out and glass media blasted. New studs were purchased, drums were turned, and newly redone shoes supplied by Capitol Clutch and Brake, Sacramento, CA, which were arced to the newly turned drums and fitted to the backing plates. The backing plates were sent out for powder coating, while new springs and wheel cylinders were installed, and new hard and soft lines were purchased for final installation. A new ATE master cylinder and original aluminum brake reservoir was purchased and installed. DOT 5 fluid was used.

The four-piece case (tunnel case, nose piece and two side covers) comprising the original numbers matching transaxle was disassembled by the owner/restorer and correctly finished by Spray Technology. The transaxle internals and four case pieces were sent to Vic Skirmants in Warren, Michigan for complete rebuild including three new synchros, new bearings, and gearing changed from BBAB to BBAC for a higher top speed.

With all mechanicals addressed, systems checked, and correct parts refinished and tested for fit, the interior was finally prepared for restoration. KH Upholstery of Gardena crafted the complete interior and convertible top. The rechromed windshield frame was installed while the aluminum extrusions on the A and B pillars, side curtains, and tonneau fit perfectly to the car and convertible top. Hartmut Mees of Palo Alto Speedometer rebuilt and finished the gauges and Victor Miles refinished all the brightwork on the car, including the rear shine down light, beehive bezels, speedster headlight grills, drivers outside mirror, door handles, steering wheel, and headlights. The horns were rebuilt by Julian Hardy of Naples, the turn signal switch was rebuilt by Doug Feistamel, and a new German Wocheslander wiring harness was installed.

Today this Speedster presents in dramatic Aquamarine blue over red interior with excellent finishes throughout. The finish is glossy, smoothly applied, and has excellent depth. There are no significant visible paint flaws to the finish, applied in 2023. The quality of the paint is evident throughout the body lines and reflections which are exceptional, particularly with the contrasting red interior. Panel gaps and alignment are excellent in all areas and show excellent fit even at the bottom cut lines. The engine lid and hood are stamped with the corresponding three-digit matching numbers reflecting the chassis number and Porsche Kardex. The characteristic 356 “smile” encircling the hood opening surrounds the fascia with delightful symmetry. Glass, lenses, double beehive taillights, emblems, and trim are all quintessentially Porsche and restored to a very high level in both fit and finish. The smooth chrome-domed hubcaps accent against correctly painted and dated Sudrad 4/57 wheels shod with Pirelli tires. The painted bumpers, Speedster body trim line, and polished gold Speedster script lettering complete the sporting exterior.

The interior is beautifully finished with correct materials including the correct oatmeal colored square weave carpeting and high-quality red interior expertly tailored over Speedster-option seats. The seats are finished with matching blue piping carefully outlining the seat contours, bolstered with correct padding and proper fit to the uniquely contoured Speedster seats. The top of the dash, door panels, and cockpit perimeter are trimmed in red over matching aqua blue. The contrasting red dash pad over the blue fascia contributes to the captivating appearance this color combination achieves. The instruments are gorgeous in color and finish, having been faithfully restored with correct colorful indication, clarity, and crisp indicator needles. The gearshift knob, various switch knobs, and door handle escutcheons are handsomely finished, consistent with the quality of the entire restoration. The elegant and clean dashboard is finished off with a beautifully finished steering wheel with polished aluminum spokes and a gleaming Porsche center crest emblem. A correct ribbed black rubber floor mat covers the front footwell for added protection. Throughout the interior, all materials offer a unified appearance, excellent fit and finish, and exceptional continuity. The dynamic convertible top with its low profile and unique appearance is beautifully tailored including correct inner liner and side curtains.

The engine compartment continues the theme of excellence having been faithfully restored using correct factory finishes, proper hardware and fittings, correct factory decals, hoses, wiring, and linkages. The engine has been built to reflect the original construction yet thoughtfully upgraded internally for improved performance and durability. Attention to detail extends to the finishes on the raw engine castings and correctly painted components still fresh from the recently completed restoration.

Under the front storage compartment, the correct Speedster VIN number is stamped in the structural support apron. Finishes in the front compartment are factory correct and nicely executed including a matching Pirelli spare tire and rim, properly strapped in place. The underside of the car is further reflective of the high-quality restoration executed with originality in mind including correct finishes and components, new floors, longitudinals, and battery box. Underneath the car, the matching numbers engine and gearbox castings, proper suspension and brake components, and correct exhaust are all representative of restoration excellence.

This beautiful Speedster starts reliably and easily, settling into a smooth idle, as it warms to operating temperatures. The gearbox operates wonderfully up and down with smooth synchros, warm or cold and excellent clutch travel. The current owner has logged approximately 60 miles since the restoration was completed, running it up to highway speeds with confidence. It runs extremely strong and handles as it should. The driving experience communicates all the pleasure and satisfaction that a properly restored 356 is capable of offering, with the added confidence from the internally improved horsepower, ZF steering box, and improved suspension. Braking is very capable in modern traffic under a firm, tall pedal. The car comes with a top boot cover, a set of side curtains and storage bag, and a top boot and boot case.

Beautifully designed and sought after by collectors all over the world, the iconic Porsche 356 Speedster remains one of the most engaging sports cars of the modern era. With its quintessential looks, stunning colors, and high-quality restoration, this recently restored Porsche 356 Speedster is ready to deliver further years of Porsche excellence and superlative driving enjoyment for its next fortunate owner.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608